Third Offense DUI in California

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If you are charged with your third DUI in California (and
you first one was less than 10 years earlier), the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV) will impose administrative sanctions independent of criminal penalties
described below.

Administrative Penalties

Upon your third DUI conviction, the DMV will suspend your
driver's license for up to three years. However, you may be eligible for a
restricted license after one year that will allow you to drive to and from work
and school.

Criminal Penalties

Criminal penalties for a third DUI in California include a
fine ranging from $390 to $1,000 (plus fees and enhancements). Most counties will require that you serve
at least 120 days of jail time but the court has the power to order up to one year imprisonment. Your attorney may be able to work out an
alternative sentence, such having the time converted to community service or
house arrest. Penalties for a third DUI in California also include three to
five years of probation. You must also attend DUI School for 18 months.

Third DUI in California

Jail

120 days to 1 year

Fines and Penalties

Approximately $1,800

License Suspension

3 years

Ignition Interlock

Yes

Felony vs. Misdemeanor in California

All DUIs in California are misdemeanors unless they fall
within one of three categories.

If a person other than the defendant suffers bodily injury
because of the DUI. For this situation to escalate a misdemeanor to a felony,
the prosecutor must believe that the person arrested for the DUI caused the
accident.

If there is a fourth DUI within the lookback period (10
years) or

If the defendant has at least one prior felony DUI charge on
their record, the subsequent DUI will automatically be a felony.

Dealing With a DUI?

If you're facing a DUI charge in California, see the following links for more information on what to expect: